THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY: Hythe relishing return to the big-stage - EXCLUSIVE

A crowd of over 1,000 fans are expected at Reachfields Stadium for the clash against Hythe’s Ryman League Division One South neighbours.

But Whites’ fans’ making the 30-mile round trip won’t be ripped off as they were by Sussex County League club Redhill in the preliminary round.

On that day the Surrey club emulated the charges at the Sea France Crabble Stadium - for a ground that didn’t have any seating - but fans will be charged £7 (adults) and £4 (concessions) at Hythe on Saturday.

Hythe Town chairman, Mr Paul Markland, however, is relishing the Kentish FA Cup derby - a game that will put the club back on the big-stage.

“An excellent FA Cup draw for us, both financially and to benchmark ourselves against one of this season’s high-flying Kent teams,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“It’s the only all-Kent FA Cup tie of the round and Dover are very well supported and only down the road, so we’re expecting to welcome a bumper crowd of over 1,000 people, including a good contingent of Hythe supporters and neutrals.

“This is a good test of Hythe Town’s ability to stage a big game. We’ve had over 600 in for some of the Maidstone United games (in the past) but Saturday will see more than this.

“Our licensed capacity is 3,000, with 75% under cover, so we can certainly accommodate a good crowd.”

Mr Markland and club officials have put in place a contingency plan to cope with a big turnout.

Four turnstiles will be in use and the ground, bar and tea-bar will open from noon.

The game will be stewarded and the upstairs bar will be cleared after 2:30pm as the bar and the viewing balconies will only be available to pass holders, including the Dover Athletic officials, from 2:45pm onwards, until the final whistle.

And the small parking area at the ground will be reserved for pass holders and parking on the surrounding streets, however, is limited.

“We have arranged with Hythe Town Council to provide substantial extra parking from 1pm on The Green, in the centre of Hythe, just off Red Lion Square,” said Mr Markland.

“The Green is just five minutes walk from the ground in the Dymchurch direction.”

Is Mr Markland confident that his club can knock Dover Athletic, playing their third successive away game in this year’s competition, out?

“Ask me after the game!” he replied. “We’ve been playing well, as have Dover.

He added: “I’m certain we’ll give them a run for their money, and for the substantial prize money, and together provide a very watchable game of football played in a stadium that creates a good atmosphere.”

But playing Dover Athletic in Ryman League football is the aim of the club - they have the facilities for it.

“Everyone at Hythe Town is delighted with our progress on all fronts this season,” said Mr Markland.

“We’ve being building steadily on solid foundations and now have a talented squad of players and a strong coaching team.

“They are playing entertaining football and achieving positive results in all competitions.

“None of the sides across the country in the FA Cup on Saturday will get to the FA Cup final, although a couple more rounds would be very welcome.

“We’ve only played four Kent League games so far this season so it’s too early to predict where we will finish.

“I would like to achieve promotion to Ryman South within the next couple of seasons - although I suspect Dover Athletic will be promoted before we get there.

“Recently, we’ve been doing well against opposition from higher leagues so I think we’re ready for a step-up - the ground certainly is. Ask me again after Christmas!”

Michael “Buster” Smissen, formerly of Dover Athletic, is currently joint-leading goalscorer in the Kent League - and cups - with ten-goals, along with burly Thamesmead Town striker, Richard Dimmock.

And the current Hythe Town goalkeeper, a certain Paul Hyde, is a Dover Athletic legend.

“We’re really looking forward to a large crowd and meeting the legendary Mr (Andy) Hessenthaler on Saturday,” said Mr Markland.

“The squad is aiming to give Dover a tight game, particularly Paul Hyde and some of the other ex-Dover lads.”

Dover Athletic player-boss, Andy Hessenthaler, meanwhile, speaking on www.dafctv.co.uk following their win at Croydon Athletic last weekend, is expecting his side to be professional as they aim to win their third successive FA Cup away day.

“Well, as I said before, the draws trying to test us isn’t it?” he said.

“This will be our third game away in the FA Cup against a team that’s had a very good season.

“A local derby and one that’s not going to be easy but I think if we show the character that we showed again (at Croydon Athletic last Saturday), we’ll be ok.

“But it’s not going to be easy, difficult pitch, and everyone’s looking for a shock but we’ll be professional, we’ll be determined.

“I want to have a good run in the FA Cup for the finances of the football club and let’s make sure we go there and do a job.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this match.

Visit club websites:

www.hythetownfc.co.uk

www.doverathletic.com

www.dafctv.co.uk

Hythe Town v Dover Athletic
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 29^th September 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe, Kent CT21 6LS